Getting off on the right foot is something we take seriously at Farmington. So much so, we've got a class required of all first-year (freshmen) students: FYS 100. This special course is designed specifically to help first-year students make the adjustment from high school learning to college-level learning.

We teach them good study habits, creative problem solving, and life management skills such as time management and stress management. The course also explores the variety of academic and co-curricular activities available at UMF. In addition, the class provides activities to engage students in learning and addresses basic skills and information to help first-year students adjust to college life.

What can parents do? Parents often ask us what kinds of things their daughter or son will need while at Farmington. This handy list may help sort it out:

Necessities to bring

• Financial aid documents
• Dictionary
• Thesaurus
• Textbooks (they'll find out which ones when they receive their course list)
• Note pads, binders
• Highlighters, pencils, pens, markers
• Healthcare/doctor/health provider/health insurance info
• Appointment book, planner for assignments, calendar
• While not mandatory, a laptop computer is strongly recommended — (see UMF's laptop buy-in program

Residence Hall and off-campus apartment things to bring

• Just ONE season's worth of clothes (they can bring more from trips home)
• Coat hangers
• Lots of underwear (trust us on this)
• Bathrobe & slippers or flip-flops (essential for morning walks to and from the shower)
• Alarm clock with a REALLY loud alarm (you won't be there to wake them for that 8am class)
• Hot pot
• George Foreman Grill (the new hot pot — HUGE on campus)
• Stationery, envelopes, stamps and address book (Hint: Pre-stamping & pre-addressing envelopes — addressed to YOU will increase the likelihood of them writing home.)
• Blow dryer
• Can opener (so simple, yet so essential)
• Aspirin, cold remedies, medications, bandages, thermometer
• Up-to-date e-mail addresses of family and friends
• Linens: sheets (regular twin), comforter/quilt, blanket, pillow, pillowcases
• Shower stuff/toiletries, towels and a small basket/bucket with which to carry things to and from the shower
• Updated eyeglass prescription — in writing
• Medical prescriptions — in writing
• Laundry supplies: laundry basket or duffel bag, detergent, fabric softener, iron.
• Trash can & trash bags
• Stackable plastic storage drawers, under-bed storage bins
• Desk lamp
• Fan
• UL-approved extension cords
• Telephone
• Pre-paid long distance calling card
• Broom w/dustpan
• Room fridge
• Microwave oven

Note: If your daughter or son is moving here for the first time, remember Farmington has a Wal-Mart, Reny's, Hannaford Supermarket, and lots of stores, banks, optometrists, doctors, pharmacies, etc. Students can pick up a lot of living essentials right here in town. (You need not arrive at UMF with an enormous moving van.)

Regarding cell phones: Due to our beautiful, mountainous location, the cell phone service that works in your hometown may not necessarily work here. We recommend you check with your cell phone provider (and check to see if it really works here when you arrive) before signing up for a long term cell phone commitment.